The Two Versions of the Song “Long Tall Sally” (Essay Sample)

The Two Versions of the Song “Long Tall Sally”

Comparison between Little Richard’s and Elvis Presley’s Versions of the Song Long Tall Sally
Institutional Affiliation(s)
In the 1950s, when different variations of rock ‘n’ roll were getting popularized, it was common for different artists to record the same song with slight variations. These artists would record the same song in close succession; within a year of the original song being released, there would be multiple covers of the same song by different artists. These covers would vary in terms of voice delivery, lyrics, form, and instrumentation. Often, music historians say the many covers to a particular song was meant to build popularity for the upcoming genre of rock ‘n’ roll music which was new during the period. This paper compares and contrast the two versions of the song “Long Tall Sally” as sung by Little Richard and Elvis Presley in terms of lyrics, voice delivery, composition, and change of form.
Similarities between the two versions
The first that is clear in the two versions of the song is in the general composition/story being told. Both artists tell of uncle John who is having an affair with a lady called Sally who happens to have everything that uncle John desires. The song reiterates of how much Uncle John wants to have a good time with Sally though as they set off on their adventure, he sees his wife Aunt Mary and is forced to duck into the alley. It also ridicules the physical attributes of Sally, describing her as long and tall with a bald head. Coincidentally, these attributes seem to be what attracts Uncle John to Sally in the first place or the sense of adventure promised by their affair.